Securing member for building construction units



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SECURING MEMBER FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION UNITS Filed June 1929 l1Sheets-Sheet ll 6 w F. #07754 T) M/I/S flbliomw Patented July 10, 1934PATENT? OFFICE SECURING MEMBER FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION UNITS Guy F.Kotrbaty, New York. N. Y., asaignor to. Ferrocon Corporation, New York,N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application June 4,1929, Serial No.368,228- 10 Claims. (01. 72-101 This invention relates to buildingconstruction and more particularly to improved securing members for usewith structural members.

This application is in part a continuation of my application, Serial No.295,705, filed July 27,

,1928, for Building construction, now matured into U. S. Letters PatentNo. 1,877,898, issued Sep-= tember 20, 1932.

The specific details of my improvements having been set forth in theapplication above referred to, they will be presented here solely forthe purpose of establishing the cooperative relationship between theseveral features, in order to more clearly illustrate the patentablenovelty of the several parts in their specific structures and in theircombination as previously set forth.

The examples shown are given merely by way of example, for since theunderlying principles may be incorporated in other specific structures,

it is not intended to limit the constructions to the forms shown, exceptas such limitations are clearly imposed by the appended claims.

In the drawings like numerals refer to similar parts throughoutthe'several views of which Fig. 1 is a horizontal section of aconstruction unit;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of a small construction unit providedwith keyways and adapted for insertion as a filling member betweenlarger construction units;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, the unit being provided with aplurality of key members in place of keyways;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section of a unit embodying the features of theconstruction shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, this member being provided witha keyway and a key member;

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are horizontal sections of solid H-shaped key members,Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are views similar to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the membersbeing rolled from sheet material;

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are horizontal sections of the members shown inFigs. 5 to 10in position in their respective keyways; O

Figs. 14 to 17 are horizontal views of other types of solid keys andFigs. 18 to 21 are horizontal views of keys similar to those shown inFigs. 14 to 17, the members being made from sheet metal;

Figs. 22 to 25 are horizontal sections of Figs. 14 to 21 in position intheir respective keyways;

Figs. 26 and27 are modified forms of the key members shown in Figs. 18and 20;

Figs. 28 and 29 are horizontal cross sections of key members providedwith integral panel members; I

Figs. 80 and 31 are sections of key members adapted to look a pluralityof wall members inangular relation to one another;

32 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of a plurality ofconstruction members keyed together to form thepa'rtition walls ofseveral rooms;

Fig. 33 is a view similar to Fig. 32 showing a coat of plastic materialapplied to the surfaces of the construction members;

Fig. 34 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of aplurality of construction members assembled and keyed together to formwall and fioor sections, a coating of plastic material being applied tothe members to form the surface finish;

Fig. 35 is a horizontal cross section of a precast member;

Fig. 36 is a horizontal section showing the method of joining aplurality of the units shown in Fig. 35;

Figs. 37 to 40 are horizontal sections of a numberof units for formingconnecting members;

Figs. 41, 42, 43 and 44 are horizontal cross sections of pre-castconnecting units utilizing the members shown in Figs. 37 to 40respectively;

Fig. 45 is a view similar to Fig. 32, and shows a plurality of pre-castunits assembled in a completed structure;

Fig. 46 is a vertical section through a floor member;

Fig. 47 is a fragmentary vertical section partly in elevation of a floormember as shown in Fig. 46 showing the slotted ribs and longitudinalstifiening members;

Fig. 48 is a detail vertical section showing the method of uniting aplurality of floor members;

Fig. 49 is a vertical section of a modification of structure shown inFig. 48;

Figs. 50 and 51 are detailed vertical sections of key members used inconjunction with the floor members;

Figs. 52 to 55 are modifications of the structure shown in Figs. 46 and47;

Referring now to Fig. 1, the construction unit or wall member designatedgenerally by the numeral 1 comprises parallel wall portions 2 and 3,together with integral end portions, 4 and 5. The side portions comprisea plurality of expanded sections, 6, provided with re-entrant stifieningribs, 7. At its center portion the unit is provided with a verticalstiffening member, 8, and a beaded portion, 9. Opposite the member 9,the end of the sheet metal unit are provided with locking beads, 10 and11, which are rolled together or crirnped in any suitable fashion. A

stiffening member 12, of sheet metal provided with beaded end sections,13 and 14, isinserted in the keyways formed by the beaded portions, 9,10-11, and may be crimped thereto in any desired manner.

While the side walls are preferably made to include expanded sectionswith integral alternate stiffening ribs, the invention comprehends theuse of fluted or corrugated sections in their stead, the said sectionsbeing formed of solid sheet metal of any desired size and composition.

As shown in Fig. l, the wall member is provided with key-ways,designated generally by the numeral 15, adapted to receive key membersto be described more in detail hereinafter. In place of the key-waysshown in Figs. 1 and 2 the member shown in Fig. 3 is provided with aplurality of key members, 16, and the unit shown in Fig. 4 is formedwith both a key-way and a key member.

Figs. 5 to 7 show several .types of solid key members having the generalconfiguration of an I-beam. These solid members comprise webpor-v tions,17, with integral end or side faces, 18. If desired these faces may beprovided with flanged portions, 19, as shown more particularly in Figs.5 and '7. While this construction gives a desirable strength andrigidity in the key mem-- ber and imparts a sufficient structuralstrength when, used in key-ways novel results are secured by formingsuch members of sheet metal as shown in Figs. 8 to 10. In these figuresthe key members comprise web portions, 20, and end portions, 21, flangedor not, as desired, at 22. The ends of the sheets from which thesemembers are rolled or otherwise suitably formed are juxtaposed as at 23to form reentrant portions. These adjoining flange portions of sheetmetal maybe welded or brazed together, if desired, to secure addedstiffness in the member. Comparing these members with solid members oflike configuration it will be noted that forall practical purposes amaximum of strength is provided while securing a distinct saving inmetal as well as marked economies in fabrication.

In use the I -shaped key members, designated hereinafter for conveniencegenerally by the numeral 24, are fitted into appropriate key-ways, 25,in construction units 26, as will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In Figs. 14 to 18 are disclosed a plurality 'of.

key members rolled or otherwise formed' from solid m tal. In Fig. 14there is shown a key member having a web portion, 27, and symmetricalcylindrical portions, 28. The cylindrical portions may be provided withcut-out portions 29, as shown in Fig. 16 to insure an improved lockingof the several members.

In Figs. 15 and 1'7 there are shown key members comprising web portions,27, and integral arcuate end portions, 30, 31, the particularconfiguration being a matter of choice with the architect or designer.

In Figs. 18 to 21, there are shown a plurality of key memberscorrespond-ing generally to those shown in Figs. 14 to 17, but beingformed from rolled sheet metal. For convenience of description these aredesignated generally by the numerals 32, 33, 34 and 35. As noted in thedescription of Figs. 8 to 10, these members may be larly in Fig. 1.

'key members of Figs. 18 to 21 are shown in engagement with appropriatekey-ways, 37, 38, 39 and 40, in construction units 41, 42, 43 and 44.

Where increased stiffness and strength in a key member is desiredwithout resorting to a cast or rolled solid member the constructionsshown in Figs. 26 and 2'1 are made use of. It will be noted that thestructure shown in Fig. 26 comprises a substantially double walledmember having inner and outer walls 45, 46, respectively, whichconstruction assures a maximum strength and resilence while retainingthe advantages of light weight. Fig. 27 shows a key member having theusual web portion, 27, together with cylindrical end portions 47 and 48,the metal formingthe portion 48 being bent inwardly to form parallelreinforcing members, 49, 50, terminating adjacent the inner surface ofportion 47, in curvilinear flanged portions, 51 and 52. The structuresshown in Figs. 26 and 27 can be readily fabricated from sheet metal andimpart considerable strength without involving any substantial increasein weight of metal.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the key members will be madefrom suitable weightstock in order to provide the necessaryreinforcement to adapt them to support the various floor loads met within different constructions. While the keys may be fabricated from thesame weight stock as is used for the grid members, it is preferred touse a thicker stock in order to assure an ample factor of safety in thefinished assembly.

complished by the uniform bearingof the key surfaces against thecorresponding keyways, both surfaces being coextensive throughout theirentire extent, and the web portions forming a solid metallic barrierthrough the grid ends, the whole forming an eflicient seal against thepassage of fluids.

The key members hereinbefore discussed are intended primarily for use inconnecting straight sections of the construction units shown particu-Where it is desired to permit the attachment of interior finishes andthe like at the junction of a pair. of construction units, thisinvention comprehends the use of key members provided with unilateralextensions, 53, or bilateral extensions, 54, provided on one or bothsides of the web member and being furnished with hollow panel members,designatedgenerally by the numeral 55. These panel members may be givenany suitable configuration to accord with the finish desired.

Where wall partitions are to be abutted or built out from a main wallthe key members shown in Figs. 30 and 31 are used. These comprise theusual cylindrical portions designated generally by ty of the separateintegral members is readily apparent. These members are set up inappropriate channel sections as will be described more in detailhereinafter, and when in position may be coated with stucco or plaster125, to give a finished structure, as shown more particularly in Fig.33. Where a corner section is encountered, a corner protective andstiffening bead 6a, which is formed integral with two angularly disposedside sections 6, is provided. This stiffening member adds a desiredrigidity to the corner of the assembly and protects the plastic coatfrom mechanical injury. As shown more particularly in Fig. 33, thestiffening member projects diagonally at the corner beyond the sidewalls of the grid members and provides a metallic key for the ends ofthe plastic coat, thus assuring its retention on the grid structure andprotecting it from mechanical injury, as already noted. The grid membersmay be,

made in various lengths and widths to permit the formation of thenecessary embrasures to accommodate the the requisite doors and windows,as indicated generally at 125a in Figs. 33 and 34. This construction isparticularly adapted for use in setting up partitions or curtain wallsin oillces where the wall members are not required to have anysubstantial strength, or it maybe used for the construction of garages,bungalows and other structures involving heavy load-bearing walls. Forcheap construction of garages and similar buildings, where a plasticouter coating is not necessary, the units maybe made up with the sidewalls corrugated instead of being provided with alternate foraminous andsolid sections, or the outer wall may be corrugated solid metal and theinner wall of expanded or foraminous metal adapted to receive a plasticcoating. It will, of course, be understood that the conditions may bereversed, if desired to conform to any given specification or toharmonize with the surroundings. The simplicity of assemblage permitsthe building of such completed structures in a minimum of time andfurther permits the use of relatively unskilled labor, the requisiteunits being preformed and appropriately marked with the respective typenumbers before being shipped to the site upon which they are to beerected. The types of the various units are so constituted and arrangedas to provide any desired number of parts for use in buildingconstruction -generally, while retaining the marked advantages ofadapting itself to any design, thereby permitting a desirable elasticityin design features.

While there has been shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, itwill of course be understood that other specific structures may becomprehended within the scope of this invention without departing fromthe spirit of the disclosure herein made.

Where the building units cannot be conveniently finished in theirassembled state, the invention also comprehends the provision ofpreformed slabs or construction units embodying the principleshereinbefore described. Referring now -to Fig. 35 there is shown apre-formed unit designated generally by the numeral 60, comprising aplurality of grid members having grid portions 61, channel portions 62,interposed between the grid portions and integral therewith, and keywayforming recessed portions, 63, formed on either the grid sections may bewelded or brazed together if desired. The completed grid structure isinserted in an appropriate form and a plastic mass of concrete cement,lime-mortar, gypsum or other appropriate construction material is pouredaround the core. The resulting structure comprises a monolithicstructure, 70, having grid core members 61, hollow interior spaces, 71,and keyways, 72. The expanded portions 61. and the anchor members 64,serve to retain the structural material 60a in intimate contact with themetallic core and assure the monolithic structure above noted.

These monolithic members may be assembled in any desired fashion asshown in Fig. 36, the key members being substantially the same as thosealready set forth. Where it is desired to make a completely monolithicstructure, concrete or other material may be poured into the hollowportions and around the keys, 50, thereby providing a continuousmonolith.

Figs. 37, 38, 41 and 42 illustrate a plurality of precast insert keywaymembers and their cores, including members having channel portions 62 ofvarying size and interposed reentrant keyway sections 63, previouslydescribed. Angularly disposed side members 64a are provided withreentrant portions 64, as noted above. A pair of these members issuitably joined at central portion 65 by means of rivets 66 or by anyother suitable means such as welding or brazing. A suitable fillingmaterial, such as concrete 60a is cast into place, being retained bywalls 64a and members 64.

Figs. 39, 40, 43 and 44, illustrate the formation of a plurality ofprecast'intermediate sections having associated keys integral therewith.These members comprise plastic chambers having walls 64a and reentrantangular portions 64 with plastic 60a disposed therein. A pair of thesemembers is provided with key sections 16b having semi-cylindricalportions 16c and horizontal inturned sections 16d, the whole having aninterposed spacer and being secured by rivets 66 in the usual manner toform key members designated generally by numeral 32.

. In Fig. 45 there is shown a perspective view of a completed walltogether with abutting side walls made up from the precast unitsdescribed, the several elements being clearly shown in their cooperativerelationship.

In assembling the completed units shown in Figs. 32, 33, 34 and 45 thewall members are fitted into channel members, set in concrete supports81. These members 80 are provided with fluted depending tongues 82,adapted to anchor in the concrete or brick courses, where brick is used.The channel members are of suitable size to receive the wall membersWhere they are of the form shown in Fig. 32.

As shown in Fig. 34 a completed structure comprises a space or support81, in which is embedded a channel retaining member 80. Fitted into thechannel is a wall member 60, which in turn is capped by a member 83,provided'with a channel retaining member 84, to receive the top ofmember 60, the outer surfaces and 86, being expanded or perforated toreceive any desired finish.

Member 85 is backed by an integral, unexpanded metal skirt 85a adaptedto contact with the solid plastic mass 83, and to prevent moisture fromreaching the mass by conduction or capillary action from the outsidestucco coat on member 85. This construction renders the joints of thebuilding substantially water-proof, which feature is also found in theprecast slabs shown in Fig. 35, where the grid sections are joined bysecuring means already described, the solid unexpanded portions 65preventing the transfer of moisture from one face to the other due totheir impermeability.

superposed upon the members 83, are floor members 90, upon which, inturn, further pedestals or supports 81 may be placed.

The flooring 100a for the completed structures is built over a flooringmember as shown in Fig. 46. This member comprises a bottom expanded orperforated grid portion 100 adapted to serve as a ceiling, integral endportions 101 provided with reentrant cylindrical portions 102, adaptedto serve as keyways for the key members disclosed in Figs. 18, 20, 26and 27. The member shown in Figs. 46 and 47 is provided further with anintegral arch portion comprising horizontal slotted rib portions 103,and longitudinal stifiening members 104, traversing the members 103, atright angles as shown. The ends of the sheet metal structure are joinedat the crown in any suitable manner as shown at 105. It will thus beseen that a flooring member has been provided which is so designed as tohave a maximum compression resistance together with an under surfaceadapted to receive a finishing coating of stucco or plaster. Thesemembers are adapted to be juxtaposed in any desired number and lockedtogether as shown in Figs. 48, 49, 53 and 55 by the key memberspreviously disclosed. When the members are properly assembled, concreteor other monolithic structural material is cast over them to a suitabledepth, the result being a monolithic structure having a maximum ofstrength, yet comprising a minimum of a metallic support together with aminimum amount of the concrete or other material.

In Figs. 50 and 51 are shown cores adapted to join the flooring membersby serving as keys which can be filled with concrete or other structuralmaterial and thereby made integral with the floor in general, thuspermitting the use of deeper concrete beam sections, providing addedstrength for heavier floor loads.

In Figs. 52-53 and 54-55 there are shown various modifications of theflooring support. The member shown in Fig. 52 is provided with reentrantarcuate portions 104a surrounding the keyways. This construction permitsthe more perfect arching of the structure adapting it to a heavier floorconstruction system by shortening the arch span and increasing theconcrete beam section width as well as introducing a greater amount ofsteel for reinforcing purposes. In addition it is to be noted that thecombination of the abutting keyways of this modification introduces anadditional structural strength.

For bridge flooring or other heavy live load requirements, the structureshown in Figs. 54 and 55 is comparable to that just described. Thecharacteristic feature of this construction is the combination of acentrally supported arch, locked by the key system already described,with an integral, keystone-shaped beam section. This results in a deeperbeam section, as the bottom: of the beam 108 is positioned substantiallyadjacent to the ceiling grid 100. The keyways are formed as reentrantportions of the vertical stiffening members 112.

The construction units herein described are readily formed from sheetmetal of any suitable gauge and can be rolled or otherwise fabricatedwith a minimum of trouble and expense. In assembling, the units can beput together by unskilled labor, the parts being so formed and soconstituted as to preclude any misplacement of the several units. Theonly skilled labor required in constructing a house, garage or otherstructure is that of the plasterer for applying the finish coating ofstucco or other material to the grid members. While the ordinary coatingmaterials have been described it will be readily understood that guniteor other plastic or cement mixes may be applied in any desired manner.Where the pre-cast monolithic units are used, the necessity for skilledlabor is reduced to an absolute minimum while at the same time assuringoptimum results both in speed of construction as well as in durabilityof the finished edifice.

What is claimed is:

1. A securing member of the class described, comprising, a continuousstructural supporting member having two-integrally joined expansiblehollow sections, said member forming a supporting column and beam memberand being adapted to act as a securing member for self-supportingbuilding units having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

2. A securing member of the class described, comprising a continuousstructural supporting member having two integrally joined expansiblehollow sections, and intermediate sections of expanded metal, saidmember forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted toact as a securing member for selfsupporting building units havingkeyways adapted to coact therewith.

3. A securing member for building units, including a continuousstructural supporting member having two expansible side sections and anintermediate expansible web section, said member forming a supportingcolumn and beam member and being adapted to act as a securing member forself-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coacttherewith.

4. A securing member of the class described, including a continuousstructural supporting member having a plurality of expansible hollowsections of generally circular cross-section, and an intermediate websection, said member forming a supporting column and beam member andbeing adapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting buildingunits having keyways adapted to coact therewith.

5. A securing member of the class described, including a continuousstructural supporting member having a plurality of expansible hollowsections of generally circular cross-section, and an integralintermediate web section of rectangular cross-section, said memberforming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act asa securing member for selfsupporting building units having keywaysadapted to coact therewith.

6. A securing member of the class described, including a continuousstructural supporting member having two side sections and an integralintermediate web section, and expansible throughout its several parts,said member forming a supporting column and beam member and beingadapted to act as a securing member for self-supporting building unitshaving keyways adapted to coact therewith.

7. A securing member of the class described, including a continuousstructural supporting member having pairs of opposed expansible sectionsandintermediate integral webs joining said sections, said member forminga supporting column and beam member and being adapted to act as asecuring member for self-supporting building units having keywaysadapted to coact therewith.

8. A securing-member of the class described, including a continuousstructural supporting member having pairs of opposed expansible sectionsand intermediate integral webs joining said sections, at least one ofsaid sections being slotted, said member forming a supporting column andbeam member and being adapted to act asa securing member forself-supporting building units having keyways adapted to coacttherewith.

9. A combined securing and'structural member of the classdescribedJncluding a continuous structural supporting member havingpairs of opposed expansible combination securing and structuralsections, and intermediate integral webs joining said sections, at leastone of said securing sections being slotted along its length, saidmember forming a supporting column and beam member and being adapted toact as a securing member for self-supporting building units havingkeyways adapted to coact therewith.

10. A securing member of the class described, including a plurality ofmembers including opposed expansible side sections substantiallysemicylindrical in shape and joined by an integral web, said membersbeing juxtaposed and held spaced from each other.

GUY F. KOTRBA'I'Y.

